Supporters, community leaders and political figures gathered on 2 September 2026 for an event backing State Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson as attention begins to turn towards the 2027 NSW state election.

The evening brought together members of the local community and Labor supporters, with speeches highlighting Wilkinson’s first term in Parliament, local infrastructure investment and the campaign ahead. Federal Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke was among the senior political figures who addressed the gathering. Other dignitaries included Zhi Soon, Federal Member for Banks, Anthony D’Adam – MLC, Tri Vo – Member for Cabramatta, Clr Bilal El Hayek – Mayor and Clr Rachelle Harika – Deputy Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown and other councilors. It is also worth noting that the Australian Lebanese Cultural Union was also present at the event.

The event opened with a Welcome to Country from Uncle John, whose contribution was acknowledged by organisers and speakers throughout the evening.

Taking to the stage, Wilkinson thanked supporters and reflected on the diversity of the East Hills electorate, saying inclusion and community representation remained central to her work as the local member.

“Labor cares for the people in our community,” Wilkinson said. “We have a really diverse community, which you can see from this room, and it’s Labor people that make sure that everybody feels welcome and everybody has a home.”

Wilkinson used the occasion to highlight several major projects and investments announced or delivered during her term.

Among those were the approximately $2 billion new Bankstown Hospital project, more than $100 million in investment in local schools, and a series of road and traffic safety upgrades across the electorate.

She also pointed to recent federal funding addressing a black spot at the Marion Street intersection, alongside improvements to Henry Lawson Drive.

“These are the things that I’m really proud of,” Wilkinson said. “And this is why I want people to make sure that we’re supporting the Labor team to help me get re-elected next year.”

Burke Praises Wilkinson’s Community Focus

Tony Burke used his address to praise Wilkinson’s community involvement and approach to representing constituents, pointing to her background in local sporting organisations as an important foundation for her political career.

“With Kylie, I don’t think you get a better starting point in community engagement,” Burke said. “When you’ve just instinctively devoted so much of your life to do that, what a starting point to be the Member for East Hills.”

Burke said Wilkinson had developed a reputation for assisting constituents facing difficult circumstances and argued that persistent advocacy from local MPs could make a significant difference in securing government investment.

He pointed to major projects including the new Bankstown Hospital and upgrades to local education and policing infrastructure as examples of investment benefiting the broader area.

“I’ll tell you, a local member who pushes, a local member who won’t say no … Kylie is one of those people,” Burke said.

Warning Over AI-Generated Misinformation

Burke also used his speech to address the increasing influence of misinformation and artificial intelligence on political campaigning.

He warned that AI-generated images, videos and other digital content could make it increasingly difficult for voters to distinguish genuine information from fabricated material.

Against that backdrop, Burke argued that direct conversations between candidates, volunteers and members of the community would become increasingly important.

“The work that you do … when you’re knocking on the doors, when you’re talking to your friends … is the only thing that people can be 100 percent sure is true,” he told attendees.

Campaign Focus Turns to 2027

The gathering also included fundraising activities, including a raffle, as supporters began looking towards the next NSW election.

Reflecting on her first term as the Member for East Hills, Wilkinson said the role had been demanding but rewarding and indicated she intended to seek another term.

“I have never worked so hard. I’ve absolutely loved it,” she said.

“There’s so much more to do, and I’m very much ready to do it.”

The NSW state election is scheduled for 2027, with East Hills expected to again attract significant attention as parties begin preparing their local campaigns.